Video by RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — National University claimed the championship in the UAAP men’s volleyball tournament for the second straight year after a sweep of Ateneo in the season 76 finals.
The Bulldogs bucked an error-prone showing and clinched the title with a 25-22, 21-25, 25-23, 27-25 triumph in game 2 on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
NU Bulldogs. Photo by Celest R. Flores/INQUIRER.net
After breezing past Ateneo in game 1, NU needed to dig deep this time around, especially in the decisive fourth set where a fiery run gave the Bulldogs the momentum for good.
Down 12-16, the Bulldogs went on an 8-0 run to move closer to the championship point, led by Reuben Inaudito who was eventually named finals’ best player.
“Our experience proved to be a very big factor in this game,” said head coach Dante Alinsunurin. “The players know how to play under pressure. That’s a big thing for them.
Not giving up hope, Ateneo inched closer, 21-23, then twice foiled NU’s bid for the clincher, 24-all, and 25-all, thanks to the Bulldogs’ turnovers.
But Inaudito, determined to end it, connected on a powerful hit before a hitting error from Rookie-MVP Marck Espejo wrapped up the series.
Jan Berlin Paglinawan, Peter Den Mar Torres had their usual double-digit production with 15 and 13 points, respectively, Rueben Inaudito added 11.
Sophomore Ruben Baysac, meanwhile, also stepped up in the in the fourth set and finished with a career-best 14 points.
“We’re very happy for what we’ve achieved. It’s such a good feeling. Especially that we came from 8th, 7th, and now back-to-back championships,” Alinsunurin said.
And the Bulldogs will remain a dominant force next season as only Reyson Fuentos will graduate, leaving them with an intact line-up.
Ateneo, meanwhile, no doubt has bright future after a banner year in UAAP men’s volleyball anchored on the arrival of phenom Espejo.
Espejo, who just turned 17 four days ago, finished with 20 points for the Blue Eagles but proved to be no match for the Bulldogs’ all-around attack.
Rex Intal added 12 points, including the hit that gave Ateneo their lone set win in the second set.